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Caring for a Cure is humbled to be a part of this event for a second time! Last year, the inaugural #TeamRita, created by Sam Boyd, raised over $30,000 swimming, biking and running the Nantucket Triathlon. And we are back again!

We are honoring our patient, Rita Gutman, who we hold near and dear to our hearts. Rita passed away in August 2016 at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) after her battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Rita’s two-year battle with cancer impacted so many of us, in so many different ways. Please read Sam’s words below and join us for a memorable weekend in Nantucket.

Throughout her battle with cancer, Rita was the recipient of amazing care from the entire staff at MGH. One group consistently went above and beyond to put a smile on her face while providing the little things that made a real difference: real sheets, a comfortable blanket or even a visit from her dog on her birthday. The amazing group of nurses who created Caring for a Cure provided a sense of comfort and normality and they do this for every patient throughout the MGH oncology floors.

One of the most amazing things about Rita was how selfless she was, always more concerned with the wellbeing of others even while going through some of the most rigorous treatment one can imagine. Rita had a hard time accepting the gifts from Caring for a Cure, stating that the funds should be spent on other patients who, in her mind, could use them more than her.

The nurses from Caring for a Cure knew that Rita loved Nantucket and at one point tried to arrange a weekend trip to the island. And so to honor Rita, we are coming together to support one of her favorite charities, Caring for a Cure, at one of her favorite places, Nantucket.

#TeamRita will be gathering to swim, bike and run the Nantucket Triathlon, raising funds for this remarkable organization. All funds raised will be donated in Rita’s name with the intention of providing everything from a smile to a bit of comfort or even an uplifting experience for patients that could use them most while they fight to overcome cancer.

Thank you for your donation and thank you to everyone at MGH and Caring for a Cure for the amazing work you do. We hope to see everyone this July 21st on Nantucket as Team Rita joins up with Caring For A Cure to race for a great cause.

This initiative is a registered Mass General Community Fundraiser. Mass General does not enter into direct sponsorship of this effort, provide any financial support, or assume any liability for its conduct. If you have any questions, please contact the Mass General Community Fundraising Team.